The Shark Navigator NV350 and NV360 are popular upright vacuums, both offering Shark’s signature “Lift-Away” technology. These models target budget-conscious consumers who want a versatile machine for cleaning carpets, hard floors, and above-floor areas. Deciding between these two can be tricky, as they share many similarities. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you determine which Navigator is the right fit for your cleaning needs.
Both the NV350 and NV360 are designed for whole-home cleaning. They both feature a detachable canister, allowing users to easily clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. They also both have HEPA filters, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers. While these vacuums offer similar core functions and benefits, they also have distinct differences in cord length, included attachments, and dustbin capacity, impacting their overall usability and value.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark Navigator NV350
- Short Review of Shark Navigator NV360
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Specifications Comparison
- Price Comparison
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance Face-Off
- Special Features Comparison
- Usability and User Experience
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Who Should Buy the Shark Navigator NV350?
- Who Should Buy the Shark Navigator NV360?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Choose the Shark Navigator NV360 if: You need a longer reach with a longer power cord and want more versatility with additional attachments like the pet power brush.
- Choose the Shark Navigator NV350 if: You prefer a slightly lighter machine and prioritize a lower price point.
The Shark Navigator NV350 series offers a range of models within the NV350 line, designed to provide powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. This series is known for its Lift-Away technology, allowing users to detach the canister for portable cleaning on stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. It features swivel steering for enhanced maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces.
The NV350 series also includes HEPA filtration, making it suitable for households with allergy sufferers by trapping dust and allergens. While it provides essential cleaning tools and features, it typically comes with fewer attachments compared to the NV360. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver, making it a practical option for users who need a reliable and efficient vacuum without extra frills.
The Shark Navigator NV360, also known as the Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is an upright vacuum cleaner designed for versatile cleaning across various surfaces. Its standout feature is the Lift-Away technology, which allows the canister to detach for portable cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. This model excels at picking up pet hair and is equipped with a HEPA filter, making it ideal for households with pets and allergy sufferers.
The NV360 includes multiple attachments to enhance its cleaning capabilities, such as a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool. It offers strong suction power for effective dirt and debris removal on both carpets and hard floors. The swivel steering improves maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. While it may be slightly heavier than some other models, the NV360’s combination of features, power, and versatility make it a popular choice for comprehensive home cleaning.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Cord Length: NV360 has a longer cord (30 feet) compared to some NV350 models (25 feet).
- Attachments: NV360 typically includes more attachments, such as a pet power brush or a hard floor attachment, depending on the specific sub-model.
- Dustbin Capacity: The NV360 has a slightly larger dustbin capacity compared to the NV350.
- Weight: NV350 is generally slightly lighter than the NV360.
- Price: NV350 is usually more affordable than the NV360.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Navigator NV350 | Shark Navigator NV360 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Series | NV350, NV351, NV352, NV353, NV354 | NV360, NV361 |
| Weight | Around 12.5 lbs | Around 13.4 lbs |
| Cord Length | Typically 25 feet (check specific model) | 30 feet |
| Dustbin Capacity | 1.1 dry quarts | 1.2 dry quarts |
| Filtration | HEPA filter | HEPA filter |
| Lift-Away Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Brushroll On/Off | Yes | Yes |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, pet power brush (on some models), Dust-Away hard floor attachment (on some models) |
| Warranty | Typically 1 year | Typically 1 year |
| Ideal For | Everyday cleaning on carpets and bare floors, lightweight maneuverability | Versatile cleaning on carpets and bare floors, homes with pets (depending on attachments) |
Price Comparison
The Shark Navigator NV350 is generally priced lower than the NV360. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still want the benefits of a Shark Navigator vacuum. The NV360, while more expensive, often includes additional attachments that can provide better value for those with specific cleaning needs, such as pet hair removal or hard floor cleaning. Both models offer a good cost-to-feature ratio within their respective price ranges, but the NV350 provides the most affordable entry point into the Shark Navigator series.
Design and Build Quality
Both the NV350 and NV360 share a similar design, featuring a lightweight, upright construction with the Lift-Away detachable canister. They are primarily made of plastic, which helps keep the weight down but may not feel as premium as higher-end vacuums. The swivel steering on both models enhances maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. While both vacuums are generally durable for their price point, some users have noted that the plastic components can feel somewhat flimsy, especially the dustbin.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning on Carpets
Both the NV350 and NV360 offer decent performance on carpets, effectively picking up surface-level dirt and debris. The NV360 may have a slight edge due to its stronger suction and the availability of a pet power brush attachment on some models, which can improve pet hair removal from carpets. However, neither vacuum is exceptionally powerful for deep cleaning thick or high-pile carpets.
Cleaning on Hard Floors
Both models perform adequately on hard floors, though they may scatter larger debris due to the lack of a dedicated hard floor brush on all sub-models. The NV360 sometimes includes a Dust-Away attachment designed for hard floors, which can improve its performance on these surfaces by gently wiping away dust and debris. The NV350 can still clean hard floors effectively, but may require more passes to pick up larger particles.
Pet Hair Removal
The NV360 is generally better for pet hair removal, especially if it includes the pet power brush attachment. This attachment is designed to agitate and lift pet hair from carpets and upholstery. While the NV350 can pick up some pet hair with its standard attachments, it may not be as effective for embedded or stubborn pet hair.
Edge Cleaning
Both models offer decent edge cleaning capabilities, thanks to their slim design and maneuverability. However, they may not reach একদম close to edges and corners, requiring the use of the crevice tool attachment for thorough cleaning in these areas.
Special Features Comparison
- NV350: The primary special feature is its affordability and lightweight design, making it easy to use and carry around the house.
- NV360: The standout feature is the availability of additional attachments, such as the pet power brush and Dust-Away hard floor attachment, which enhance its versatility for different cleaning tasks.
Usability and User Experience
Both the NV350 and NV360 are designed for ease of use, with simple controls and intuitive operation. The Lift-Away feature makes it easy to switch between upright and portable cleaning modes. However, some users may find the dustbin a bit small, requiring frequent emptying during larger cleaning sessions. The NV360, with its additional attachments, may be slightly more versatile but also requires more storage space for the extra tools.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both models require regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin, cleaning the filters, and removing any hair or debris from the brushroll. The filters are washable, which helps reduce recurring costs. However, the plastic components may be prone to wear and tear over time. The warranty coverage is typically limited to one year, which is standard for vacuums in this price range.
The Shark Navigator NV350 is best for:
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable and reliable vacuum.
- Users who need a lightweight and easy-to-maneuver vacuum for everyday cleaning.
- Individuals living in smaller homes or apartments with mostly carpeted floors.
The Shark Navigator NV360 is best for:
- Users who need a versatile vacuum with additional attachments for different cleaning tasks.
- Pet owners who want a vacuum with a dedicated pet hair removal tool.
- Individuals who need a longer reach with a longer power cord.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark Navigator NV350 and NV360 offer good value for their price, but the better choice depends on individual cleaning needs and budget. If affordability and lightweight maneuverability are the top priorities, the NV350 is a solid option. However, if you need a more versatile vacuum with additional attachments and a longer reach, the NV360 is worth the extra investment. For pet owners, the NV360 with the pet power brush is the clear winner.
